SEAMAN'S MISSION, SAN FRANCISCO.
By H. C. Palmer
If there is any work in the world ennobling in its character it is that of saving souls. How little we estimate the privilege of co-operating with the Maker of heaven and earth, the King of kings and Lord of lords. If ever there was a time when this message wanted earnest men and women it is now. There is one fact to which we can testify: the more time we give to missionary labor the happier we feel, and the more we are strengthened spiritually. In helping others we receive a blessing for ourselves when we are not expecting it. We are thankful for the good we have seen accomplished through the ship mission. It is bringing a knowledge of us as a people before the world. We frequently meet officers and men, who have not visited this harbor before, but who have heard of our work from friends at home, or through ships that have been here. May our Heavenly Father give us of his Spirit that the results this year may be double what they were last. I subjoin the results of labor since camp-meeting. Ship D. The steward believes in the Seventh-day Sabbath, but does not see how he could keep it yet. Ship M. and E. C. Captain is much interested, but is not a member of any church, and thinks Christianity means something more than mere profession. He promised to investigate and write. Ship G. The steward, who is a God-fearing man, heard our views of Bible truths, and said he would thoroughly investigate and write to me. Ship F-of D. The captain quite agrees with our views, which he heard for the first time. He was much impressed. I believe God will bless the efforts put forth in behalf of those on board this ship; for the sailmaker, a Scotchman, signed the temperance pledge. He came up to my house, and we investigated points of the truth together. He said he had no idea that the Bible was so plain. I gave him some extra reading matter. We want the prayers of God's people for the increase in this case. Steamer F. The captain said we were right in our views of the immortality question; he also seemed liberally minded, and promised to examine his reading matter carefully. The boatswain of the same steamer seemed much impressed, and said, "I must be alone to examine this, and I shall write and let you know the result of my investigation." This is a hopeful case. Let us pray he may receive the light. Ship E. The captain is much interested, and believes we are right on the Sabbath. Ship C-of D. The captain knows we are right on the Sabbath and is eager for more knowledge. I will see him again this week. Ship M. The captain says our papers are the most instructive and interesting reading he ever had on board his ship. I shall call at his residence. His wife is with him. I hope for good results from this visit. Ship G. The captain donated a dollar to the mission. Ship I. The mate of this ship said a gentleman in Liverpool, England, was not only keeping the Sabbath, but preaching it; and he got his knowledge from papers sent by our people. The mate is coming up to see me before he sails, and I shall report results to the SIGNS. He agrees with us on all points but the personality of Satan. I gave him "Ministration of Angels," but he had not quite read it, and he was not prepared with an opinion till he had done so. Ship L. An apprentice on board this ship came to me and said that his father and all the family keep Sabbath on Saturday. I shall have more to report on this shortly. This comes of the Vigilant Missionary work. Ship B. The captain, first and second mate, and steward seemed anxious to hear more of these truths. I hope to see them, and shall report results. They are all earnest religious men. The Seaman's Mission has everything in good working order. Lately some alterations have been made. To insure more complete distribution than heretofore, four packages of tracts and papers are put on board each ship, and extra tracts for foreign readers. The Bibles which we obtain free from the Bible Society, are a great help to the work, and we cannot be too thankful for them.549Every missionary should be well supplied with the new tract, "Scripture References," for more can be done with it than with anything we have yet had. By means of this tract any individual can become thoroughly acquainted with the Bible evidence for the principal points of our faith. Eld. Haskell furnished the mission with a book of small temperance pledge certificates, and I am sure they will be a great help in temperance work among the sailors, and this is a work that is much needed. This important branch of missionary work requires earnestness and devotion; and when our Lord comes in the clouds of heaven, we shall then know the results. May all our efforts be with an eye single to the glory of God. H. C. PALMER.